The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)– Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch bulletin is in effect in portions of the District until Wednesday, March 26, 2025
This message will affect residents within the MNR Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District for portions of the District of Muskoka and County of Haliburton, within the area of the Burnt River, Black River and Severn River watersheds, including Sparrow Lake. Residents should expect water levels to continue to increase: the potential for flooding on these watersheds exists.
Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed conditions. Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions may develop throughout the area and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams.
Runoff to local lakes and rivers has increased significantly with recent rainfall, snow melt and warm weather.
MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is safe ice.
Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
The weather forecast is calling for continued warm daytime temperatures March 19 to 20 with above zero-degree nighttime temperatures which could increase the speed of the melting of the snowpack along with light amounts of precipitation possible before temperatures begin to cool again into the weekend and next week.
Description of Current Conditions
Lake water levels remain high from recent precipitation and runoff and are expected to remain that way for the coming week. High water levels and fast water flows are expected within areas of the Severn and Black Rivers as well as Sparrow Lake as water moves through the system over the next week.
– Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch bulletin is in effect in portions of the District until Wednesday, March 26, 2025){kind=link}